In a major revamp plan, Mumbai's civic body has taken a fresh step to develop a world-class exotic animal zone at the historic Byculla Zoo, three years after a previous tender was scrapped amid controversy.
A Fresh Start After Allegations of Cartelisation
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a new tender worth a staggering Rs 500 crore for constructing state-of-the-art exhibits for exotic animals. This move comes after the civic body cancelled earlier tenders valued at Rs 291 crore in 2021. The previous process was shelved following serious allegations of cartelisation among bidders and unexplained cost escalations in the project bids.
This new tender marks a significant escalation in the project's budget and ambition, aiming to transform the zoo into a premier attraction. The development will include comprehensive infrastructure work to support the new facilities.
Global Wildlife Experience in the Heart of Mumbai
The proposed exotic zone is designed to be an immersive experience, featuring 17 distinct animal habitats that will showcase wildlife and cultural landscapes from continents like Australia, America, and Africa. The animal roster is extensive and impressive.
Visitors can look forward to seeing:
- Emus, wallabies, and black swans from Australia.
- Majestic species like jaguars, pumas, giant anteaters, and tamarins from the Americas.
- African icons including gorillas, chimpanzees, cheetahs, hippos, white lions, zebras, giraffes, and oryx.
A key highlight will be the introduction of white lions—a first for any zoo in India. A specialized bus safari will offer a unique lion-viewing experience. The plan also includes a boardwalk for observing wallabies and emus, and an interactive lorikeet aviary where birds may fly around visitors.
Innovative Enclosures and a Themed Restaurant
The animal enclosures are planned with modern, visitor-friendly features. The jaguar habitat will offer multiple viewing angles—land, underwater, and via an overhead racetrack. The chimpanzee and gorilla zones will be equipped with gymnasium structures or kraals designed to mimic traditional African villages with huts.
For hippo enthusiasts, acrylic panels will provide a fascinating underwater view. The African savannah exhibit will create a mixed-species habitat where giraffes, zebras, and oryx coexist. A dedicated cheetah enclosure promises unobstructed views to admire the animal's famed speed and agility.
At the centre of this exotic zone will be a unique two-storey, Africa-themed 'cheetah restaurant'. This five-star dining facility will overlook three major exhibits—cheetahs, ring-tailed lemurs, and the giraffe-zebra habitat. It is designed to accommodate up to 500 guests per hour, offering panoramic views alongside meals.
Logistics, Timeline, and Animal Procurement
A senior civic official stated that the exhibits are expected to be ready within three years from the start of work. Regarding the animals, the zoo hopes to acquire many through exchange programs with other zoos, both domestic and international. The remaining exotic species will be procured directly from other countries.
The tender document underscores the need for highly qualified staff to ensure animal welfare and professional operations. It mandates the hiring of a zoo curator, a veterinary doctor, and a senior veterinary doctor, all with proven years of experience in handling exotic animals.
This ambitious Rs 500 crore project represents BMC's renewed commitment to upgrading Mumbai's public amenities and creating a landmark zoological park that can compete with global standards, offering educational and recreational value to millions of visitors.
